05-18-2021, 09:21 AM
(05-18-2021, 09:03 AM)mvossman Wrote: I agree with all of this, and would definitely rather have Powell (who I am much more confident penciling in the starting rotation due to defense). However, the fact that Portland has his bird rights means they can sign him for significantly more over his current salary and over the cap, right? Given that they are over the cap, and have no way to replace him if he walks, it seems like they are going to have a stronger incentive to keep him than we are to get him, right? I would think that is relevant from the standpoint that we would likely have to pay higher than market value to pry him away.
Right exactly. So here the incumbent has a strong advantage. As you say they can't replace him, they gave up an asset to get him, they have bird rights. Portland is not going to lose Powell to money. They are also a good team in the playoffs every year and Powell has a starting job. So to steal him away you really need a lot of things to go your way. I just don't see it. Also Powell is a good scorer but is sort of redundant with Brunson.